Oscars to Ditch Dolby! New Venue & Streaming Shakeup in 2029!

The Academy Awards ceremony will move from the Dolby Theatre to the Peacock Theater starting in 2029, continuing through 2039. This move marks a significant milestone in the history of the awards, which have been held at the Dolby Theatre since 2002, with the exception of the 2021 ceremony, which was held at Union Station due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision reflects an evolution in the organization of the awards and an adaptation to the new trends in the entertainment industry.

The first year at the new location will coincide with the telecast’s move to YouTube, after decades on ABC. In addition, it will mark the 101st Academy Awards ceremony, solidifying its legacy in film history.

This partnership between the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and AEG, which owns and operates L.A. LIVE, the 23-acre district where the Peacock Theater is located, promises significant improvements. AEG will undertake comprehensive enhancements to the theater, including upgrades to its stage, sound and lighting systems, lobbies, backstage facilities, and production-critical areas. The close collaboration between AEG and the Academy will ensure the incorporation of bespoke design elements for the Oscars ceremony.

L.A. LIVE’s recently expanded plaza will continue to host red carpet arrivals, maintaining the tradition of glamour and spectacle that characterizes the Academy Awards.

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership with AEG, highlighting their expertise in building and operating technologically sophisticated live performance venues. They see this collaboration as an opportunity to make L.A. LIVE the perfect setting for the global celebration of cinema, both for the in-theater audience and film fans around the world.

Todd Goldstein, Chief Revenue Officer of AEG, added that L.A. LIVE was built to host moments that define culture, and there is no greater global stage than the Academy Awards. They are committed to reimagining the Oscars experience in the coming years, creating an environment that celebrates creativity and honors excellence.

The move to the Peacock Theater, along with the planned improvements, suggests a renewed experience for attendees and viewers at home. The combination of advanced technology, a larger space, and strategic collaboration promises a more spectacular and accessible Oscars ceremony. The transition to YouTube for the broadcast also indicates an effort to reach wider audiences and adapt to new ways of content consumption.

The Academy's decision to move to the Peacock Theater reflects a forward-looking vision for cinema's most prestigious awards ceremony, ensuring its relevance and appeal in the global entertainment landscape.

The 101st Academy Awards ceremony, to be held at the Peacock Theater, will mark a significant milestone. This event will not only celebrate the best in cinema, but also symbolize a new era for the Academy. The collaboration with AEG and the transition to YouTube indicate a desire for innovation and adaptation to new trends in the entertainment industry.

This strategic change positions the Academy Awards for an exciting and dynamic future, ensuring its place as one of the most important and anticipated events in the world of cinema.